Patriots

Report: Rob Gronkowski Will “Probably” Need Back Surgery

May 17, 2013

UPDATE:

Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald confirms that Rob Gronkowski will undergo surgery on Monday.

This will be Gronkowski’s fourth surgery on his left arm. The procedure is to be performed by Dr. Jesse Jupiter along with the Patriots own Dr. Thomas Gill by side.

A new plate will replace the one already in Gronkowski’s arm if it’s clear from an infection and he’ll begin his recovery projected to be around 10-11 weeks. If the infection still lingers, then it would mean that the plate can’t be replaced and Gronkowski would surely likely miss regular season games.

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UPDATE:

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Rob Gronkowski‘s back surgery is expected to require at least 10 weeks to recover properly.

After receiving a second opinion from Dr. Robert Watkins, it is increasingly likely that Gronkowski will have to undergo a surgery on his back, which will be done in the next 3-4 weeks following Monday’s surgery on Gronkowski’s forearm. Gronkowski is now unlikely to participate at all in preseason and considering the time table from here to the start of the season, he should be able to return 2-3 weeks before Week 1; that is of course if his recover is able to proceeds without any type of setbacks.

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Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reports that a source with knowledge of the situation has informed him that Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski will “probably” require surgery on his back.

Florio adds that Gronkowski is waiting for a second opinion from Dr. Robert Watkins.
Back surgery would most likely take place within the next three or four weeks. following a fourth surgery on his forearm.
Adam Schefter reported earlier in the day that Gronkowski’s back surgery is considered “minor,” and may not keep him out any longer than the time requires for his arm surgery.

“He is going to be fine long term,” said a source close to Gronkowski. “(He is) not worried about the short term, I.e. start of training camp.”

In regards to Gronkowski’s forearm, Mike Florio reports that doctors now believe that the infection finally has subsided.

Gronkowski will undergo a fourth surgery on his forearm next week, according to PFT.
PFT previously reported that Dr. James Andrews will serve as a consultant for the procedure.

The good news is that this will hopefully be the final surgery on his forearm. The bad news, however, is that it’s looking increasing unlikely that he’ll be available for the start of the 2013 season.